Rubin was born in San Francisco, the son of Melvin Rubin, an ophthalmologist, and Lorna (née' Isen),[2] owner of a publishing business, and grew up in Gainesville, Florida.

[4] His brother, Michael, is an author, and sister, Gabrielle, a visual artist.

[6] Rubin wrote the original story,[7] and then co-wrote with Harold Ramis the screenplay for the 1993 comedy film Groundhog Day,[3] for which the two received a BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay.

[13] In 2016 the stage musical Groundhog Day, which is based on the film, premiered at The Old Vic in London.

[18] Rubin has taught screenwriting at numerous universities and lectured on the topic at academic conferences since 1995.